Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a 17-month program consisting of three 24-week terms (including summers). Classes meet Monday through Friday and vary based on clinical schedules. Working is discouraged while enrolled in the program, as no special concessions are made for working students.

<strong>Admission Requirements</strong>
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have completed the necessary prerequisite courses. All coursework must be completed a regionally accredited college or university with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

<strong>Prerequisite Courses:</strong>
<ul>
	<li>Reading &amp; Composition – CAN 2</li>
	<li>Intermediate Algebra or higher</li>
	<li>Anatomy and Physiology – CAN 10</li>
	<li>Medical Terminology</li>
</ul>
Where applicable, it is recommended to use the California Articulation Numbers (CAN) as listed in California Community College catalogs. For more information on general education courses from other institutions, visit <a title="Click to go to the College Board website." href="http://www.collegeboard.com" target="_blank">www.collegeboard.com</a>.

Applicants must also meet the technical standards (physical requirements) to be considered for the program. Technical standards provide a reference against which candidates for enrollment are evaluated by the Admissions Committee.

<strong>Physical Requirements for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers</strong>

The following is a list of physical requirements related to the job duties of an ultrasound technologist.
<ol>
	<li>Possess visual skills necessary to adequately differentiate between subtle shades of gray, and color distinctions.</li>
	<li>Possess auditory skills necessary to distinguish audible sounds of a Doppler signal, communicate with patients, and communicate with other health care professionals.</li>
	<li>Possess sufficient oral and written skills in English to communicate with patients and other health care professionals.</li>
	<li>Stand, walk, and sit for up to 30 minutes at a time.</li>
	<li>Stand and walk for up to 8 hours during an 8-hour shift.</li>
	<li>Lift or move a maximum of a 290-pound patient in a 2 person or 3 person transfer.</li>
	<li>Move loads of up to 50 pounds up to 25 times per hour.</li>
	<li>Push a patient confined to a wheelchair or gurney up to 300 feet or more, depending upon the structural design of the medical facility.</li>
	<li>Bend, crouch, or stoop up to 20 times per hour.</li>
	<li>Reach forward up to 18 inches while holding an object weighing 15 pounds.</li>
	<li>Push ultrasound equipment on wheels weighing up to 300 pounds or more.</li>
	<li>Possess manual dexterity to manipulate and operate all diagnostic medical sonography equipment.</li>
</ol>